Named position honors beloved leader and champion of the arts |
| GableStage proudly announces the establishment of the Dave Coulson Education Fellow, a named position honoring beloved trustee David Coulson, whose passion for theatre and commitment to nurturing emerging talent left an enduring mark on South Florida’s cultural community.
Each season, one early-career company member who demonstrates exceptional dedication, generosity, and curiosity, qualities that Dave championed, will be named the Dave Coulson Education Fellow. “Dave believed deeply in the power of theatre to build community and change lives,” said Bari Newport, Producing Artistic Director of GableStage. “This embodies that spirit, offering an emerging theatre maker the kind of mentorship that Dave championed throughout his life. It ensures his legacy will continue to inspire and shape the next generation of theatre professionals.” Aligned with GableStage’s mission to produce daring, adventurous theatre that explores today’s most pressing issues and ideas, the Dave Coulson Education Fellow allows recipients to select a mentor in the discipline of their choice: Performance & Production, Education & Community Engagement, or Arts Administration. Mentors may include current GableStage trustees, artists, or staff, providing a season-long collaboration designed to deepen practice and expand professional growth. The inaugural 2025/2026 Dave Coulson Education Fellow is Samuel Krogh, a Miami-born actor and valued GableStage team member whose artistry, professionalism, and collaborative spirit exemplify the qualities Dave held dear. Samuel has been an outstanding member of the GableStage team for the past three seasons. First joining as a Wardrobe Supervisor and House Manager, Samuel quickly proved indispensable, expanding his role to include key responsibilities in box-office, marketing, and front-of-house operations. He has also starred in GableStage’s award-winning Shakespeare-in-the-Schools touring productions for four consecutive years, demonstrating both artistry and a deep commitment to cultivating the next generation of theatre-lovers. Guided by the belief that “if you can make your own work, you’ll always work,” Samuel exemplifies the multi-hyphenate theatre artist: creative, adaptable, and dedicated. His loyalty to GableStage and to the craft of theatre inspire everyone around him. Samuel is a graduate of Florida International University, holding a BFA in Theatre Performance, and is also a company member of LakeHouseRanchDotPng, an experimental collective dedicated to developing original work in South Florida. The Dave Coulson Education Fellow will officially name Samuel’s current position and provide both he and his chosen mentor with stipends to support their work throughout the 2025–2026 Season. “I’m honored to be the first Dave Coulson Fellow,” said Samuel Krogh. “Dave’s passion for mentorship and the arts is something everyone at GableStage has felt. To carry that legacy forward means the world to me. Looking back on the last three years at GableStage, I have been supported, guided, and given so many wonderful opportunities. I am surrounded by the most dedicated theatre professionals. I’m proud to serve my community with my co-workers, and therefore every day is a gift. ” David Coulson served on GableStage’s Board of Trustees, offering visionary leadership through periods of growth and transition. He helped lead the search that brought Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport to GableStage in 2021 and was instrumental in guiding the organization toward its next chapter at the historic Coconut Grove Playhouse. A partner at Winston & Strawn LLP and a prominent member of the Coral Gables community, Dave died unexpectedly on September 8, 2025, at the age of 62. He was an extraordinary lawyer, mentor, and leader who touched countless lives. “Dave’s belief in nurturing young talent was unwavering,” added Roz Stuzin, GableStage Board Chair. “The Dave Coulson Education Fellow reflects his heart, his generosity, his mentorship, and his joy in seeing others grow.” “Dave believed that giving back was one of life’s greatest joys,” said Jeannie Etter, his wife. “He found such purpose in helping others discover their passion. This would have made him so proud.” Friends, family, and community members who wish to make a gift in Dave’s honor and in support of the Dave Coulson Education Fellow may do so by visiting https://ci.ovationtix.com/473/ |